Shop Project #3 Hand saw till

More use of scrap to make a hand saw till for old hand saws. Three of the saws belonged to my gramps, not quality saws I would agree but not the sort of thing one would want to throw away. So, up on the wall out of the way for now. It has space for nine saws but I have five in there.

Made from 3/4” ply and the shaft from a broken broom handle. Three coats of nitro varnish for protection.

Your lucky then, my wife finds things to do, busy or not. I can’t complain, she did go out yesterday morning and help me clean the shop. Of course i then ran a bunch of rough sawn through the planer. I need to get back out there and clean up before she see’s it.

In response to “where would we be without them” ... probably hanging out in some pub talking about the same crap we are now with substantially less gray hair and substantially more free time lol. And …. more tools!!

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

Chris – I totaly agree, I guess I am lucky with mine, I get to buy what I want really, she never questions, but she always asks what the tool is for.just in case I tell her at a later point I can do that job for you darling, I don’t have the tool for it. She never forgets (any of them) Can you belive it, I’m actually struggling to leave her hints for new tools for Christmas!!!!

Don – I bought mill for a chainsaw about 10 years ago. I have a mid sized saw (Stihl Farm boss 390) with the intention of milling some logs, unfortunately due to marital problems with the them missus I had to move into town. So, no direct access to logs, maybe one day I’ll set that small mill to use.

Yep, that’s it, Alaskan Mill, I don’t even think I got to assemble it. If memory serves it can accomodate a 22” bar?? I even bought a rip couple of chains chains for it. Kinda scary though as I understand the configuration of the teeth means that the kelvar over trousers I have will not even slow the blade down in the event of it coming into contact with my legs. I think however the hard work will be worth it when you get that hardwoor floor laid. Not a job you will undertake over a weekend I should imagine?

Just took the time to read through your milling tips Don, I’ve added it to my favourites for future use.

I think my projects would be on smaller logs, for smaller projects although I can see why a larger saw (and more kit) would be a sensible option if shed or barn building was in the plan.

makes you wonder how the old timers did it without the assistance of chainsaws and lumber mills. I don’t think they would have needed gyms or keep fit classes in those days, they must have been as fits as fleas!